SIR Richie Richardson, the West Indies team manager, has echoed calls for the implementation of a Test cricket window to prevent conflicts between the longer format and the major cash-rich Twenty20 (T20) leagues around the globe.
The regional side is set to face New Zealand at Sabina Park in the first of three Test matches, starting on Sunday.
But they will be without the 26-year-old star off-spinner Sunil Narine due to his failure to meet the June 1 training camp deadline set by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
Under contract with Indian Premier League's (IPL) Kolkata Knight Riders, Narine, who has taken 21 wickets in six Test matches at 40.52, opted to play for his franchise team in the final of that T20 tournament.
"It's unfortunate there was a clash. I think... all the countries around the world should get together and make sure there is a clear window for IPL so there is no conflict where the players are concerned," Richardson told reporters shortly after the West Indies squad arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday.
When asked whether the WICB could have been more flexible with the handling of the matter, Richardson, the former West Indies captain who played 86 Test matches and averaged 44.39 with the bat, said regional cricket should always be put first.
"Unfortunately, he [Narine] is not here, but we still have to go forward to play good cricket.
"The rules and regulations are put in place. At the end of the day if it wasn't for West Indies cricket, none of us would be here, so for me personally, West Indies cricket is always number one.
"I understand players wanting the opportunity to go and play elsewhere and I support that. I want players to be comfortable and make as much money as possible. But what happens if all the players decide they are going to play all over the world and ignore West Indies cricket? Our cricket would die," the 52-year-old explained.
The freshly appointed West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin said there is disappointment within the camp that Narine is absent, adding that any team with the spinner included "would be amazing".
Still, he insisted that West Indies will "have to use" the resources available to them in slow left-arm orthodox bowler Sulieman Benn and off-spinner Shane Shillingford.
Ramdin, 29, suggested that his Trinidad & Tobago compatriot could also get a look-in before the end of the series.
"They (the WICB) have their policy in terms of when you have to get back so I guess they've set a standard and it's for everyone to obey by that standard. The selectors have given me a team and I'll work with that. Hopefully by the second or third Test he's back in the team, you never know."
Though to date, Narine's Test figures are ordinary, his returns in the shortest format of the game have been remarkable.
The slow bowler, often dubbed a mystery spinner due to his numerous variations and unique bowling style, has grabbed 166 wickets in 128 T20 matches at 16.28. In addition, he has an impressive economy rate of 5.52 runs-per-over.
FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAMAICA OBSERVER
